Be a better Author

Write a book

Communication skills are more important than ever, but what if your grammar doesn't quite make the grade?

Fifty years ago, you would've walked over to your coworker's desk or called up to the second floor to ask a question. Now, whether your coworkers are in the next cube or half a world away, it's standard practice to email, instant message, or text them.

This shift in basic communication has made writing skills crucial to being listened to.

An increasing number of employees are "working with people they have never met and communicating with them largely through email," Will Ellet, adjunct professor of writing at Brandeis International Business School, told CNBC.

No matter what format your written communication takes, it needs to be clear and concise. Misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes. Given that the average professional sends and receives more than100, emails a day, no one has time to read rambling messages that don't get to the point quickly.

We could all use a little refresher on our business writing skills. And thanks to a wealth of free classes and resources online, we can improve our grammar and write from the comfort of our own desk chairs -- without spending a dime.

To get you started, we've put together a list of tips for quickly improving your written communication skills. Check 'em out. (And if you're looking for more, here's an excellent list of helpful websites and tools that address common grammar questions and errors.)

HOW TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER

1. Develop a daily writing habit.

2. Try to read every day.

3. Capitalize when you're supposed to.

4. Avoid using exclamation points.

5. Always think about your audience.

6. Cut the filler phrases and buzzwords.

7. Sign up for a free writing course online.

8. Use writing templates.

9. Make sure you address people correctly.

10. Study commonly misused words and phrases.

11. Drop the word 'very' from your vocabulary.

12. Read your writing out loud.

13. Ask for feedback from your peers.

How to write a book in 13 steps

Much like learning to cook, the best way to learn how to write a book is by just doing it. Unlike saddling up on a horse for the first time, however, writing a book can not be achieved in one go.

It requires good commitment and determination.

As Octavia Butler put it: “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”

How to Write a Novel:

1. Nail down the story idea

2. Read books in your genre

3. Choose your novel’s point of view

4. Establish the setting

5. Develop your main characters

6. Establish conflict and stakes

7. Create an outline, Choose your story structure

8. Pick a writing software

9. Write to market, Establish a writing routine

10. Consider literary devices and techniques

11. Revise your story

12. Work with beta readers

13. Hire a professional editor

You must learn to be an excellent reader because writers are those that love to read, as Annie Proulx put it, "Reading is the finest teacher of how to write."

My Thoughts with a pen,

You learn to write better by reading. You learn to read better by writing. Reading and writing work together to improve your ability to think.

So Don't forget to read something wonderful.

Are you ready for "writing a book" to be the next plume in your cap? Let’s begin...

My new project.

Wow, working on something new guys, can't wait to put it in the air for you all to see.

I'm super excited